Kitefoiling is the closest you’ll get to walking on water
I think we’ve established that you can kitesurf in different ways. You can choose a twin-tip or a directional board. You can choose different kites and even different conditions. So it comes as no surprise that using a foil is also a possibility in the kitesurfing world.
Kitefoiling looks like pure wizardry. One moment, a kitesurfer is skimming across the water, and the next, they’re levitating like they made a deal with Poseidon himself. If you’ve ever wondered how this magic works—or considered trying it yourself—this guide breaks it down. No sorcery involved, just some clever engineering and a bit of kitesurfing skill.
With the first-ever hydrofoil athlete competing in the King of the Air and many summers spent at a kitespot where the wind isn’t always strong enough for a twin-tip, I’m getting more and more obsessed with it. So, who knows? Maybe this summer, you’ll see me wobbling my way into hydrofoiling mastery!
What is a hydrofoil and how does it work?
A hydrofoil is essentially a wing attached to a long mast under your board. When you pick up speed, water flows over the foil, creating lift. This lift raises the board out of the water, reducing drag and giving you that effortless floating sensation. The result? A smooth, quiet ride, even when the water looks like a washing machine.
A hydrofoil setup consists of several key parts:
Mast: The vertical part connecting the board to the foil. Shorter masts are easier for beginners, while longer masts offer more control and efficiency in waves.
Front wing: The larger wing at the front of the foil, responsible for generating lift. Bigger wings provide more stability and easier takeoff, while smaller wings are faster and more maneuverable.
Rear wing (stabilizer): A smaller wing at the back that helps with balance and control.
Fuselage: The part that connects the front and rear wings to the mast. Different lengths impact stability and turning ability.
Hydrofoil
Why is hydrofoiling so efficient?
Traditional kitesurfing boards create a lot of drag as they bounce on the water. A hydrofoil, however, lifts completely out of the water, meaning there’s minimal resistance. Only the mast and the foil are in the water, and they’re designed to minimize drag. This efficiency allows riders to use smaller kites, kite in lighter winds, ride faster with less effort, experience an almost frictionless glide, and perform amazing jumps with smooth takeoffs.
Why should you try a hydrofoil?
Not convinced yet? Here’s why kitesurfers are making the switch—and why I might be joining them soon:
Less wind, more fun: A hydrofoil lets you ride in light wind conditions where twin-tip riders are still pumping their kites in frustration. Perfect for kitespots with a lot of light-wind days.
Silky smooth: No more bouncing over chop—once you’re up, it’s like gliding on air. To be fair, a directional board is already a smoother ride compared to a twin-tip. If your knees scream for help, you shouldn’t skip that surfboard. Read my story about why I chose the directional here.
Speed meets efficiency: The reduced drag means you can ride faster with less effort.
Not boring: You can do a lot with a foil, from dreamy rides to big air tricks, all in a wide range of wind speeds.
A new challenge: If you love progression, hydrofoiling will test your balance, control, and patience (a lot of patience).
How to start kitefoiling without face-planting immediately
Let’s be real: Your first hydrofoil sessions might include a few spectacular wipeouts. You’ll struggle with the speed and lift, feel scared out of your mind while crashing (because, yes, the foil can hit you), and experience some too-fast pop-ups and nosedives. But you will have fun. Here’s how to speed up the learning curve:
Start slow: Begin with a shorter mast (around 40-60 cm) to make the falls less dramatic. Don’t forget your safety gear—always wear a helmet!
Stay balanced: Keep your weight centered and avoid sudden movements—think smooth and controlled. Try to stay relaxed, because tensing up is a recipe for crashing.
Control the kite: Flying the kite steadily is key; don’t oversteer like a caffeinated seagull. For your first attempts, a slightly bigger kite can help you get on the board faster. And hey, you already have some kite control—so you can do this.
Waterstarts are different: Expect a steeper learning curve than with a twin-tip. Use minimal power and let the foil do the work.
Duotone has a lot of tutorial videos that will definitely help you progress faster. Check them out on their YouTube channel.
Gliding into the future
Hydrofoiling is like unlocking a secret level in kitesurfing—challenging at first, but incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. If you’re up for a new adventure, grab a foil board and get ready to experience kitesurfing in a whole new way. Just remember: Every hydrofoil master was once a human submarine. Happy floating!
xox Berito